Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michelle Anderson . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Michelle , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

Drawing upon my extensive background, I’ve gained invaluable experiences and lessons from previous roles, with one significant takeaway being the ability to discern what truly matters and not allowing minor details to disrupt the workflow. Additionally, I’ve discovered the importance of finding joy in my work.

Before transitioning into my current position as a sales executive for a flooring manufacturer, I dedicated 26 years to the Air Force, where my primary responsibility involved transporting critically wounded soldiers between airplanes and hospitals. Dealing with extreme trauma and working closely with young soldiers instilled in me a unique perspective on challenges and a profound realization of life’s brevity. It’s a perspective akin to that of someone who has lost a family member or a close friend – a sudden shift in life prompts a reassessment of priorities.

This transformative experience has equipped me with the ability to approach challenges through a different lens. Rather than reacting or succumbing to stress when things don’t go as planned, I can calmly shift my perspective and move forward. This collected demeanor has emerged as one of my greatest strengths in commercial sales. Clients not only feel well taken care of but also experience the positive ripple effects of my stress-free approach.

Moreover, this lack of stress opens up space for play and creativity in my professional life. I take immense joy in infusing creativity into marketing strategies and embracing a playful attitude, which not only enhances my work but also contributes to a positive and collaborative work environment.

Michelle , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

In 2014, following a military deployment, I entered the flooring industry through a disabled veteran-owned flooring dealer in Spokane, WA. The vibrant textures and colors were a refreshing shift from military protocol. Under the mentorship of manufacturer reps, I honed my sales skills and excelled.

Upon relocating to Seattle in 2015, Bentley Mills offered me the role of Sales Executive for Western Washington. Despite Bentley’s limited presence in the market, I embraced the challenge. Starting from scratch became a motivator, allowing me to measure results easily and run the business entrepreneurially.

Navigating a new city, I faced the challenge of making an impact in a community resistant to outsiders. Not being a designer, a Seattle native, and new to the area were hurdles. Leveraging military strategy, I used Instagram and collaborated with fellow sales reps to host industry events. Bentley’s support, fresh designs, and sustainable products contributed to breaking sales records consistently.

My approach defies conventional wisdom—I don’t focus on sales. Passion for the work and providing excellent service are my priorities, reminiscent of my military mindset. This enthusiasm translates into success, evident in continuous record-breaking sales. A testament to this is my Instagram page, “Carpet Party Seattle,” reflecting the essence of a career filled with excitement, creativity, and an open invitation for all to join the carpet party, no RSVP required.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Amid the pandemic, when remote work halted my business, I found a unique way to connect with clients. I acquired a retired ambulance and transformed it into a mobile carpet studio. This unconventional vehicle enabled me to visit clients at their homes, equipped with ample storage and five access doors. A medical-grade ventilation fan added to the safety measures during meetings.

While using an ambulance for work might seem unusual, the marketing strategy was ingenious. Dubbed the Fabulance, this vehicle garnered attention in the flooring world, making national headlines. With my medical and military background, the Fabulance seamlessly tied into my past life, offering a whimsical twist to something typically associated with medical emergencies.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

To build my audience on social media, I have employed some creative tactics .At my first tradeshow I made simple leather hoop earrings, and attached them to my business card. I was an MC sponsor and had the announcer tell everyone that the free earring bar was opening up at noon. By 11:45am, the line was wrapped around the venue. .

SO here’s the catch, they had to follow me on Instagram prior to taking a pair of earrings. That was it. Everyone was happy to support me, and at the end of the event I had over 500 new followers and they were taking photos of their new earrings and tagging me. The page pretty much grew from there. I still occasionally receive an email or a comment about someone loving their earrings.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.BentleyMills.com
• Instagram: @carpet_party_Seattle
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/michelleandersonbentleymillsseattle